The Msida Bastion cemetery, Malta : a brief history of the Msida Bastion cemetery and the research conducted by R.G. Kirkpatrick

Abstract

In 1930 Captain Charles Zammit (Later Director of the Museum) was given verbal instructions to carry out a survey of the Msida Bastion Cemetery, the burial ground for members of the Protestant communities in Malta. He published his findings soon after together with some photographs, drawings and a plan for the benefit of scholars. His plan which divides the cemetery into three zones ( a, b, c ) shows some 269 graves. The lists show 439 names grouped under the three zones. As a result of the research by the late Reg Kirkpatrick, the total number of entries rose to some 528. Some graves contain several individuals, though some are memorials to those who were buried elsewhere. The research by Zammit was based on the grave stones whereas Kirkpatrick supplemented his research by analysis of the parish records and other sources. Kirkpatrick also found that some of the names and other details had become inaccurate in translation and these have been corrected. For example:- 'it would appear from this survey that the latest (burial took place) in 1886 ( tomb No. 221) zone c.' (19). From Kirkpatrick's research it would appear that this is incorrect as No. 221, Henry Jellico, died on 6 December 1836. The latest is Sarah Smith who died on 4 November 1880. The earliest appears to be Lieut. Richard Russell Rawlings who died on 14 December 1806. This is doubtful and the next earliest is John Morris who died on 19 May 1808. The majority of deaths took place in the period 1820 to 1860. It is likely therefore that we now have as complete a record as possible of those laid to rest in this cemetery. This booklet has been prepared from the papers in the possession of R G Kirkpatrick at the time of his death. Also includes a selection of inscriptions together with a brief history of some of the notable individuals buried there and a listing of individuals believed to have been buried in the Msida Bastion Cemetery.